In the lead-up to the trade show, the FRUIT LOGISTICA Briefing 2026 showcased the transformative power of AI in the fruit and vegetable industry. According to industry experts, significant opportunities exist to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability.
Prior to the commencement of FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026, a 60-minute session was held in which leading experts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the entire value chain. The FRUIT LOGISTICA briefing, which took place on 20 January, is now available to watch on demand.
‘AI is a game changer that will significantly impact production, quality control, logistics and even retail,’ says David Ruetz, Messe Berlin’s Senior Vice President. ‘The industry is at a crucial turning point.’ This is precisely why FRUIT LOGISTICA, an international platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and practical solutions, is more important than ever this year.
AI has long since become part of everyday life in the industry
Mike Knowles, the managing director of Fruitnet Europe and author of the 2026 FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report, emphasises the dynamic nature of this development: ‘AI is permeating the entire business and reshaping it.’ It is no longer a matter of visions of the future or theory, but of technologies that are used every day. The labour shortage and pressure to be more sustainable and cost-efficient are accelerating this change significantly.
“Currently, AI is having the greatest impact on smart production and quality control,” says Knowles, summarising the findings of the trend report. He highlights the particular potential of demand forecasting in the retail sector, explaining that accurate planning reduces losses, optimises the flow of goods and increases profitability and sustainability. The crucial question for the future is whether entire value chains will be able to operate fully automatically.
Data is the key to scaling
The discussion, moderated by Chris White, Chairman of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Advisory Board, also highlighted the challenges, particularly with regard to data quality, scaling up, and acceptance.
Bradford Warner, Global Head of Digital & Data at AgroFresh, believes that the key to a successful AI foundation lies in the database. In predictive harvest models in particular, it is crucial that the data is clean, consistent and compatible across borders. “AI only creates real added value when it delivers reliable, accurate results in terms of quality, profitability and sustainability,” he says. It is only then that acceptance among customers and decision-makers will increase.
Elad Mardix, the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Clarifresh, has observed a significant increase in expectations. ‘The tolerance for error is very low, partly because many technologies have not been successful on a large scale in the past.’ Decision-makers can only be convinced if the benefits are clearly measurable. Clarifresh uses AI for more precise quality control, which is significantly more accurate, objective and consistent than human judgement. The result? Around a quarter fewer complaints in retail. The long-term goal is to remove humans from the control process entirely.
Conversely, Wouter Kuiper, Chief Executive Officer at Kubo Greenhouse Projects, relies on a combination of experience and technology. For him, the key lies in the interplay between human intuition and AI. He explains, “Artificial intelligence can use large data sets to identify the most subtle details, calculate scenarios in advance and highlight risks at a very early stage.” He says that the decisive factor is actively embracing change: those who continue to develop will benefit, regardless of their company’s size. AI is therefore not just a topic for large corporations, but a genuine opportunity for smaller producers too.
Trend Report 2026 highlights competitive advantages through AI and automation
The 2026 FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report illustrates how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the global supply chain for fruit and vegetables. These technologies offer the industry greater efficiency in production, more precise quality control, improved forecasting, optimised logistics, and reduced waste and resource consumption. The report highlights practical applications such as smart greenhouses, predictive harvest models, AI-supported quality assessment and logistics optimisation. The report also demonstrates the potential of autonomous systems, non-destructive quality analysis and modern cold chain management.
Free download: FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report 2026.
Inspiration, innovation and international perspectives: at Fruit Logistica 2026, the focus of the expert forums and stages will once again be on the key issues for the future of the global fresh fruit industry.
From 4 to 6 February 2026, Berlin will once again become the centre of the international fresh fruit industry as the global fruit trade convenes at Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair in the sector. The event will feature a comprehensive stage programme with around 200 speakers from business, science, and practice. These talks will be simultaneously translated into German, English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Six specialist forums serve as a knowledge platform, discussion forum and trend barometer, covering current topics ranging from sustainable production and smart technologies to global trade and logistics issues.
Insights Stage: Focus on global markets
How is the international fruit trade evolving? Which consumption and trade trends will define 2026? These questions will be answered at the Insights Stage in Hall 21. Industry analysts, market researchers and leading industry representatives will present the latest studies, exclusive market data and well-founded assessments. Topics covered will include changing consumer behaviour, increasing price pressure, resilient supply chains, and geopolitical developments that influence global trade.
Farming Forward Stage: Progress from research to the field
At the Farming Forward Stage in Hall 3.1, you can see how innovations in science, technology and entrepreneurship are transforming agriculture. First, start-ups and companies will present their digital solutions and smart agricultural technologies, ranging from sensor technology to robotics. The CEA Alliance will then present controlled environment agriculture as a method of achieving weather-independent and resource-efficient production. Finally, on Friday, the Frutic Science Symposium will see international researchers discuss efficient production systems, digitalisation and sustainability.
Fresh Produce Forum: Holistic approach to value creation
At the Fresh Produce Forum in Hall 23, the focus is on markets, people and new opportunities throughout the entire value chain. Experts in production, trade, marketing and research will discuss innovative distribution concepts, sustainable packaging solutions, and the potential of international markets. Practical panels offer concrete ideas for producers, traders and service providers.
Future Lab: Visions for tomorrow’s fruit trade
The Future Lab in Hall 6.1 showcases forward-thinking ideas and technological breakthroughs. Start-ups, researchers and industry experts will be providing insights into pilot projects, automation solutions and AI-based applications. The discussions focus on concepts that are already paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and digitally networked fruit trade.
Logistics Hub: Efficient routes for fresh produce
How can fresh products be transported safely, quickly and sustainably? The Logistics Hub in Hall 26 offers practical solutions. Experts in transport, refrigeration technology and supply chain management present the latest best practices and innovations in the supply chain. Topics covered include cold chain optimisation, intermodal transport solutions and modern port logistics, with a focus on quality, speed and sustainability.
Podcast Studio: Experience industry voices live
Following its successful premiere at Fruit Logistica 2025, the Podcast Studio will return in 2026. In Hall 11.2, visitors can listen live as presenters discuss current topics, innovations and personal insights into the industry with experts. Ten episodes will be produced and released monthly throughout the year on all popular streaming platforms.
Knowledge with impact
With its extensive forum and stage programme, Fruit Logistica 2026 is strengthening its position as a leading global knowledge platform for the fresh fruit industry. Combining information, inspiration and innovation, the programme is aimed at anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the future of the industry.
The complete programme overview is already available online.Fruit Logistica 2026: Six stages, one goal – sharing knowledge, shaping the future
Inspiration, innovation and international perspectives: at Fruit Logistica 2026, the focus of the expert forums and stages will once again be on the key issues for the future of the global fresh fruit industry.
From 4 to 6 February 2026, Berlin will once again become the centre of the international fresh fruit industry as the global fruit trade convenes at Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair in the sector.
The event will feature a comprehensive stage programme with around 200 speakers from business, science, and practice. These talks will be simultaneously translated into German, English, Spanish, French, and Italian.
Six specialist forums serve as a knowledge platform, discussion forum and trend barometer, covering current topics ranging from sustainable production and smart technologies to global trade and logistics issues.
Insights Stage: Focus on global markets
How is the international fruit trade evolving? Which consumption and trade trends will define 2026? These questions will be answered at the Insights Stage in Hall 21. Industry analysts, market researchers and leading industry representatives will present the latest studies, exclusive market data and well-founded assessments. Topics covered will include changing consumer behaviour, increasing price pressure, resilient supply chains, and geopolitical developments that influence global trade.
Farming Forward Stage: Progress from research to the field
At the Farming Forward Stage in Hall 3.1, you can see how innovations in science, technology and entrepreneurship are transforming agriculture. First, start-ups and companies will present their digital solutions and smart agricultural technologies, ranging from sensor technology to robotics. The CEA Alliance will then present controlled environment agriculture as a method of achieving weather-independent and resource-efficient production. Finally, on Friday, the Frutic Science Symposium will see international researchers discuss efficient production systems, digitalisation and sustainability.
Fresh Produce Forum: Holistic approach to value creation
At the Fresh Produce Forum in Hall 23, the focus is on markets, people and new opportunities throughout the entire value chain. Experts in production, trade, marketing and research will discuss innovative distribution concepts, sustainable packaging solutions, and the potential of international markets. Practical panels offer concrete ideas for producers, traders and service providers.
Future Lab: Visions for tomorrow’s fruit trade
The Future Lab in Hall 6.1 showcases forward-thinking ideas and technological breakthroughs. Start-ups, researchers and industry experts will be providing insights into pilot projects, automation solutions and AI-based applications. The discussions focus on concepts that are already paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and digitally networked fruit trade.
Logistics Hub: Efficient routes for fresh produce
How can fresh products be transported safely, quickly and sustainably? The Logistics Hub in Hall 26 offers practical solutions. Experts in transport, refrigeration technology and supply chain management present the latest best practices and innovations in the supply chain. Topics covered include cold chain optimisation, intermodal transport solutions and modern port logistics, with a focus on quality, speed and sustainability.
Podcast Studio: Experience industry voices live
Following its successful premiere at Fruit Logistica 2025, the Podcast Studio will return in 2026. In Hall 11.2, visitors can listen live as presenters discuss current topics, innovations and personal insights into the industry with experts. Ten episodes will be produced and released monthly throughout the year on all popular streaming platforms.
Knowledge with impact
With its extensive forum and stage programme, Fruit Logistica 2026 is strengthening its position as a leading global knowledge platform for the fresh fruit industry. Combining information, inspiration and innovation, the programme is aimed at anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the future of the industry.
The complete programme overview is already available online.
From 4 to 6 February 2026, Berlin (Germany) transforms into the global home of fresh produce as FRUIT LOGISTICA ignites the industry with groundbreaking innovation, energising connections, and bold ideas shaping its future.
Growers, traders, engineers, scientists and pioneers arrive from all continents, carrying ideas, ambitions and a shared belief in progress. Over 2,500 exhibitors from around 90 countries are due to take part, making it the world’s largest and most international gathering of companies in the fruit and vegetable sector.
A global meeting point with purpose
In 2025, FRUIT LOGISTICA brought together 91,000 industry professionals from 151 countries, and more than 95 percent said they would recommend the event. From the moment the venue is entered, it becomes clear why: this is where the global fruit and vegetable sector moves forward.
Beyond its scale, the event is defined by real industry momentum – conversations in busy aisles, meetings between long-standing partners, and spontaneous exchanges that lead to new ideas.
This year’s guiding theme, Let’s grow!, captures that spirit. “Let’s grow is much more than a slogan,” says Director Alexander Stein. “It reflects our determination to push ahead, to embrace innovation, and to grow not only technologically and economically but also as a global community. FRUIT LOGISTICA is where that future begins.”
Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and France remain the top five countries represented by exhibitors, and participation from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Africa continues to increase.
Three segments that tell the whole story
The story unfolds across three seamlessly connected segments that cover the entire value chain: Fresh Produce, Machinery & Technology and Logistics. In Fresh Produce, trade visitors can explore the global marketplace for fruit and vegetables, discover emerging varieties, gain insights into shifting supply landscapes and meet buyers and retailers from around the world.
In the Machinery & Technology segment, they enter a world where technology becomes tangible, with AI-driven cultivation systems, precision irrigation, advanced grading lines and autonomous harvesting robots demonstrating how efficiency and sustainability can grow hand in hand.
In the Logistics segment, trade visitors experience the delicate art of moving freshness across the globe, discovering next-generation cold chain systems, robotics, drones, port solutions and digital supply-chain platforms that combine speed, safety and sustainability.
Formats that bring stories to life
The Startup World forms a vibrant ecosystem of ideas and ambition, where young companies introduce bold technologies for agriculture, logistics, vertical farming and data-driven production. Industry veterans stop by, ask questions, challenge and inspire. In this environment, the future often begins with a single meaningful conversation.
On the Insights Stage, exhibitors explain the stories behind their technologies, highlight the problems they solve and give trade visitors a direct look at how ideas turn into practical solutions.
Across the Expert Forums, a landscape of knowledge unfolds through six stages: the Fresh Produce Forum, Farming Forward, the Logistics Hub, the Future Lab, the Insights Stage and the Podcast Studio. More than 200 experts present over 100 sessions covering breeding innovations, retail marketing, greenhouse automation, artificial intelligence, vertical farming, climate resilience and the logistics of the future. Each talk opens up a new perspective.
Along the Organic Route, a clearly marked virtual path guides trade visitors to more than 200 exhibitors with certified organic products. It tells a story of responsibility, transparency and the growing global movement toward sustainable value chains.
In the New Product Showcase, trade visitors encounter a gallery of what comes next. Whether it is a new variety, a packaging concept or a technological solution, each exhibit represents a step forward and an idea made tangible.
The 20th FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award marks a milestone moment. In 2026, the industry’s most prestigious award celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Throughout the halls, dedicated displays present the finalists, and on 6 February the award ceremony becomes an emotional highlight as visionary teams step into the spotlight and their achievements are celebrated across the global industry.
Friday, 6 February 2026, isn’t just the last day of the trade show – it’s Fruitful Friday, a vibrant celebration packed with business, science, and entertainment. From the Mascot Race at the South Entrance to the inspiring FLIA Award Ceremony and the forward-looking FRUTIC Science Symposium organised in cooperation with the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), the day brings together innovation, industry expertise, and fresh energy.
The official survey reveals a record positive response, highlighting a rise in the quality of trade visitors and an increase in successful business at the world’s leading trade show for the fresh fruit and vegetable business.
Berlin was the place to do business last week, as more than 91,000 people from across the global fruit and vegetable trade came together for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025.
From 5 to 7 February, the world’s leading trade show for fresh produce attracted an even larger number of international trade visitors and exhibitors to its latest edition, and offered participants three days of unrivalled marketing, networking, innovations and insights. According to official survey results, this year’s exhibition achieved a new high in terms of the quality of its 67,500 trade visitors as well as an increase in successful business. Plus, it also secured record levels of satisfaction for its 23,500 exhibitor representatives. In response, the organiser Messe Berlin has immediately opened stand bookings for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026.
Growth potential as the right people connect
Innovation was at the heart of this year’s event, as shown by the ingenuity of companies competing for its industry-leading Innovation Awards, or the game-changing technologies featured during its three-day Startup World showcase. “People know that when they come to FRUIT LOGISTICA, they always see something new and meet decision-makers from all over the world,” said Alexander Stein, director of FRUIT LOGISTICA. And, thanks to the show’s official partner Fruitnet, tens of thousands had the chance to listen to hundreds of expert talks about every aspect of the business at six stages located around the halls. “The international fruit and vegetable market is a hugely challenging business to be in right now,” Stein added, “but the feedback we had from our trade visitors and exhibitors is that growth is possible, and the right people were here to make that potential a reality.”
Exhibitors and trade visitors in good spirits due to brisk business
FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 met with a positive response from both exhibitors and trade visitors.
According to initial trends from the exhibitor survey, 9 out of 10 respondents achieved a very good to satisfactory business result at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 and have positive expectations for follow-up business. The same number again are already planning to take part in the next event in 2026.
According to the preliminary results of the representative trade visitor survey, trade visitors are also very satisfied. 94 % of respondents reported a positive overall impression and 95 % would recommend the event to others in their business environment. 9 out of 10 of those polled are already planning to visit FRUIT LOGISTICA again next year.
The high-quality audience also contributed to the trade show’s positive results: 3 out of 4 trade visitors make purchasing or procurement decisions in their company. This results in extensive business activities: more than 80 % of those surveyed made new business contacts at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025, and over a third were able to establish new contacts at the trade show itself.
20 international startups are exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025. Their business ideas focus on digitalisation of the industry and include AI and modern sensor technology.
What must my greenhouse look like to be profitable? Greenhouse Formula has the answer. The British startup’s online tool makes it quick and easy to develop a 2D or 3D model. It works for different plants and climate zones and provides investors and growers with a comparative aid. Greenhouse Formula’s founders are convinced that, in the face of climate change, protected cultivation will become increasingly important.
Greenhouse Formula is one of 20 startups exhibiting at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025. In the Startup World in Hall 3.1, Messe Berlin is giving founders from ten countries the opportunity to make contact with large companies, potential partners and visitors from all over the world and build valuable business relationships. Many innovations aim to make processes more efficient and scalable through digital solutions.
AgStacked from the Netherlands, for example, uses its tool to collect data along the supply chain. Machine learning takes weather, temperature and cold chain data into account. Quality risks are minimised, due to the software proactively requiring decision-making before problems arise. This reduces waste and avoids costly rejects. Orbem’s technology has the same goal. Using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and deep learning algorithms, it assesses the quality of fruit, eggs or nuts and helps to categorise and sort products.
Agurotech shows how smart sensor technology can support growers. Data from soil sensors, weather stations and plant analyses gives them valuable real-time information on soil and plant health. Harvest Ai from Germany trains its SaaS tool with data obtained from the company’s own camera systems, among other sources, and uses it to improve efficiency in greenhouses.
Innovative plant protection
Radiare AI’s technology uses the power of light alone to keep greenhouse plants healthy. The DemeGrow system’s LEDs with their precise wavelengths have been proven to enhance the vitality of plants. Unwanted microorganisms are neutralised. NanoSci , a company established by researchers at the University of Gdansk, also works with light. It provides a filter-free air purification solution using UV light from LED diodes that remove ethylene gas and grey mould, which ensures fruit stays fresh longer.
PhenoRoot focuses on the roots as the origin of many plant diseases. The startup from Israel has developed a platform for phenotyping and analysing the roots of plants cultivated in soil. The data collected can be used to gain valuable information for revitalising plants. The multidisciplinary team is already working with various companies and universities that are successfully using this technology.
About FRUIT LOGISTICA
FRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading trade show for the globalfresh produce business and and represents the entire value added chain of the fruit and vegetable sector, from producer to the point of sale. At FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024 more than 2,770 exhibitors from 94 countries displayed their products, services and technical solutions. Some 66,000 buyers and trade visitors from 145 countries took part in the event. The next FRUIT LOGISTICA will take place from 5 to 7 February 2025 in Berlin.
Acquisition will expand wine portfolio in France, including Bordeaux.
Berlin Packaging, the world’s largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier®, announced the acquisition of Gerfran SAS, a family-owned supplier of glass packaging specializing in the wine and beverage end markets.
Founded in 1984 and acquired by Lionel Fruh in 2008, Gerfran is a unique player in the Aquitaine region of France. Headquartered in La Réole, the company specializes in the sale of wine bottles with an emphasis on Bordeaux bottles and serves wine producers of all sizes, from small vineyards to large estates. In addition to wine bottles, the company also sells bottles and jars for beer, spirits, fruit juices, and food.
With warehouses across the southwest of France, Gerfran has strong relationships with its customers, who benefit from the company’s value-added services and turnkey solutions.
Following completion of all pending transactions, Gerfran will be the 18th acquisition by Berlin Packaging in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) since 2016 and the 8th acquisition in EMEA in 2021.
All employees and locations for this acquisition will be retained.
The world’s leading trade fair for global fresh fruit trade is being postponed to 5-7 April 2022.
The fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic is worsening the situation in many European countries. At the same time, the industry’s wish to meet in person remains unwaveringly high. In light of these circumstances, Messe Berlin has decided to postpone FRUIT LOGISTICA to a point on time beyond the fourth wave. FRUIT LOGISTICA 2022 will thus be held from Tuesday, 5 April to Thursday, 7 April.
